Increase your HDL (good) cholesterol by taking a 1,000mg calcium supplement every day. Calcium interferes with the absorption of fat from the diet and decreases the body’s fat mass generally, both of which help raise HDL.

If you want your body beach-buff after the guilty excesses of winter sloth, now’s the time to hit the gym and one of the better bets is über fitness chain Bannatyne’s recently-opened Cardiff branch (Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen; 029 2076 3111.) As well as the routine roll-call of gymernalia, there’s the not-so-routine pull of a great pool and spa, making the whole experience less a sweaty chore and more a time-poor pampering treat.

Get all the health benefits of red wine with no hangover by swapping that glass of cabernet sauvignon for some Parad’Ox, a new capsule from France. A daily dose contains the same amount of polyphenols - antioxidants that fight ageing and heart disease - as two glasses of red wine. Admittedly not as enjoyable, though.

It may sound naff, but practise flashing the gnashers and feel more relaxed. Smiling can make you feel happier as it opens airways and allows more oxygen to the brain, raising energy levels and improving your sense of wellbeing.

Choose lamb. It’s a great source of B12, which aids the production of red blood cells and helps your body metabolise protein, carbs and fat.

A mug of cocoa isn’t just a sweet treat it can also help your muscles recover from a gym session. A US study found that cocoa packs twice as many antioxidants as red wine - and these chemicals reduce the cell damage resulting from strenuous exercise.
As good as an aspirin is for heart health, daily sex may be even better. A recent study shows the more sex a man has with his partner, the better the cardiovascular function. When German researchers asked 120 adults to monitor the frequency of slap‘n’tickle, they found the man who had the most intercourse also had the best heart rate. You’ve got to admit, it’s a different approach to seduction, “It’s for my heart, darling! Purely medicinal! You could be saving my life!” By the way, DIY doesn’t count.

Never miss a Monday workout. Since our brains are wired to keep a chain reaction going, starting the week gymming sets the tone until Sunday.

As the weather warms up, boost your mood while deflecting the sun’s rays by going for a paler wardrobe rather than dark colours. Plus, wear your shirt open over an untucked T-shirt to allow air to circulate and help keep the old BO at bay.

“ Time off is essential for mental health and job survival,” says psychology professor Jonathan McAvoy. Slowing down can increase anxiety in competitive sorts and taking time off from work can initially be traumatic. If so, start slowly: a day every six weeks, working up to a week at a time.

Mood swings and depression can be the knock-on effects of the Atkins diet, say US researchers. Carbs raise serotonin levels, which increases feelings of positivity and suppresses the appetite. Aim to get two-thirds from slow-release carbohydrate.

Drink coffee. A Brazilian survey discovered sperm strength and endurance scores are far higher in moderate-to-heavy coffee drinkers than those who steer clear of Kenco’s finest.

At the first sign of a sunny spring day, get your shades on to avoid developing a face like a Klingon. Sunglasses don’t just protect eyes from the light; they also stop the sun’s UV rays ageing the skin around them. Strictly-speaking, we should be wearing sunnies even on bright winter days when damage can still be done.

Lift less, burn more. After a heavy weight-lifting session, switch to a weight that’s 30%-50% of the most you can lift and do as many reps as possible. This final push increases the hormone levels that encourage the body to burn fat.

SPRING INTO ACTION

<<<BACK Spring is traditionally the time of year for renewal and a bit of an overhaul, so why not give our bodies an MOT, too? Jason Jones divvies up an all-round health audit